Lyndia Roland Chiles’ name may not be on the lips of historians of African American History, but her life and her story illustrate the resolve of Asheville’s black community during the Civil Rights era, and she crossed paths with the likes of Alfred Whitesides, and James Ferguson. Born to Clifton and Patricia Roland in 1946, Lyndia witnessed dramatic changes in the lives and status of African Americans in Asheville and the country writ large.
Lyndia was born in 1946 in a small house off Hill St. Like many historically African American neighborhoods, Lyndia’s first home was destroyed by infrastructure developments, specifically the Interstate Highway System. The benefit of an interstate system in Asheville was overwhelmingly for affluent city dwellers, and the suburbs outside the city, yet the burden was placed on Asheville’s black community. Lyndia Roland Chiles grew up in Shiloh a historically black community in Asheville that was originally on Biltmore estate, but purchased and moved by George Vanderbilt in the 1880s. Shiloh’s present location is one of the only intact African American neighborhoods in Asheville. Although Shiloh’s existence is still under threat today through zoning and road encroachment.
Lyndia’s parents played a key role in shaping her life, and made early contributions to black liberation. Lyndia’s father Roland had only a 6th grade education, but “had a passion” for his family and community. Roland and Patricia “were always mentors and role models,” for youth at the YW, and their church Hill Street Baptist. Lyndia’s mother Patricia was politically and socially active, and took her daughter Lyndia to demonstrate in front of the Winn Dixie in Asheville. Typical of the Civil Rights era, Lyndia’s church Hill Street Baptist was a vehicle for Civil Rights organization, and led the Winn Dixie demonstration. Lyndia explains how African Americans were patrons of the establishment, but it was necessary to protest Winn Dixie’s refusal to hire African Americans. Lyndia’s parents resolve for racial justice would propel her success in her career and her commitment to community.
Lyndia Chiles attended the all girls Allen School. The Allen School was a premiere institution for black women, offering day students, but also boarded students from around the country and the world. Many of the faculty were white women interested in the uplift of black southern girls, but some teachers were African American as well. After The Allen School Lyndia was able to finish her secondary education at Shaw University Cape. Her business degree and acumen would provide Lyndia the tools necessary to achieve success in the workplace.
Lyndia’s drive and ability enabled her to break many barriers in the workplace, and attain positions previously inaccessible to African Americans. In 1973 Lyndia worked for the Eaton Corporation in Asheville. She became Administrative Assistant to the Plant Manager, and was the first African American to hold the position. Later in Lyndia’s career, she was employed by Asheville City Schools, working there as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, once again breaking the color barrier. Lyndia retired from the Asheville City School District, working there from 1993 to 2008.
Lyndia Roland Chiles is the Chair of the YWCA Board. She hopes to pass the values instilled in her, by her family and the YW, to members of the community through her work. For Lyndia, the YWCA, “stands for everything we are working for, to improve in this nation.” The YWCA’s commitment to Asheville’s people is shared by Lyndia, and the YWCA “means a lot to [her] personally.” The YW’s programs have real impact in Asheville’s communities. Lyndia cherishes the children at the YWCA above all, and describes seeing them thrive “as a high place.” Lyndia views “life as process,” and believes that “The YW is in the middle of taking us through that process.”